Cornwall school closes as police hunt for possible gunman

Closed: The school was shut after the head teacher consulted police (Picture: SWNS)

A Cornwall primary school has been temporarily closed as police search for a man in the area who may be armed.

The Trenode Church of England primary school in Widegates, near Looe in east Cornwall, was shut after police were called to a dispute at a house where ‘it is understood one of the occupants had access to firearms’.

Devon and Cornwall Police, who received the call at about 9.30pm on Thursday, said the head teacher took the decision to close the school following a consultation with police.

Armed officers are scouring the surrounding area for the possible gunman, believed to be a 60-year-old man.

Hunt: Police are searching the area around the school for a 60-year-old possible gunman (Picture: SWNS)

‘We do understand that this will cause some significant inconvenience for some parents and local residents and this decision was not taken lightly,’ said a police spokesperson.

‘Public safety is the most important concern of the school and police.’

Police have asked members of the public to avoid the area and to report suspicious activity by calling 999.

Police have advised members of the public to avoid the area (Picture: SWNS)